Being Vegan, Vegan Being: Andrea Diaz – Veganism is Direct Action Against Animal Cruelty

What was the moment you realize that you wanted to go vegan?

I had been considering veganism upon watching an animal cruelty video posted by a friend. I decided to watch Cowspiracy. The next day I woke up and realized I needed to change.

How long have you been Vegan?

I have been vegan since last May 2020. Wish I would have done it sooner!

Why is being Vegan important to you?

Veganism is direct action against animal cruelty. It’s the decision to be a positive entity in animals’ lives. We all have untapped power to shape the world we want to live in. By choosing veganism you are saying no to hurting innocent creatures.

Any recommended Vegan books?

Honestly, every vegan should read ‘’The China Study’’. We all have our ethical reasons for going vegan. This book gave me facts to use in my arsenal of rebuttals towards meat-eaters. Can’t argue with science!

Any recommended social sites, Facebook Groups or other?

I definitely recommend locating your local Direct Action Everywhere or Animal Save chapters. Get involved! It may seem scary but its truly empowering!

Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?

Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, and What The Health is revolutionary!

Do you actively promote veganism? How? Please share any stories you would like.

Every single day. The best way I spread veganism is via my Instagram account. It has grown so much and I love getting messages from newbies asking questions. Not only do I promote online, I am actively involved with multiple animal liberation groups in Phoenix. Veganism is my entire life.

Do you miss any non-Vegan foods?

Honestly, I missed the taste of buffalo wings and ranch. I didn’t miss the chicken but the combination of the two sauces. Just like everything, there is a veganized version! I recently made buffalo cauliflower bites. They were amazing! Everything that I enjoyed without any cruelty!

What is your favorite Vegan meme?

Ahhh there’s so many to choose from! I have one on my IG that I adore! It’s a man drinking a vegan milk shake looking upset in the first photos then nonchalant in the next. The caption is, “When you hear someone hate on vegans but then realize the heart disease will take care of that.” It’s petty, but I love it! I hate to make light of human death but we continuously tell people that consuming animals will kill them and they don’t care. If they don’t care about their own lives then I won’t either.

What is your favorite Vegan stereotype? If someone asks you a question about it, how do you respond?

That we are all skinny! I have always naturally been ‘’slim thick’’. I actually gained 4 lbs in the last month just by eating more and working with a trainer. You don’t need animal protein to put on muscle! There are so many bodybuilders that prove this every day. I no longer need to respond. I let my body and results do the talking for me. I am the only vegan in my workout group and have made the most progress so far. Coincidence? I think not!

What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?

I can’t get enough of Green New American Vegetarian. Seriously. Try it!

What’s your favorite recipe? Please share it.

Vegan Green Chili Posole

Heat 8 tomatillos, 1 jalapeño and 2 Anaheim peppers, 4 cloves of garlic and 1/2 onion. Blend together with hominy. DELISH!

Some encouraging words for new Vegans?

You are doing the most beautiful, selfless thing one can do for the love of animals. Stick with it! Your sacrifice is not going unnoticed!

Are you a cruelty-Free vegan?

All the way!

What are you favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?

I was fortunate that most of my makeup brands were already cruelty-free but I have definitely been buying more Lush products. They’re a bit pricey but the products tend to last a while.

What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need? Toothpaste, Deo, glue, etc..

We are so fortunate that it’s very easy to be a vegan! I think the most difficult thing was finding a quality deodorant. Lush, the Greeeench!

Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?

The hardest part about being vegan is dealing with disgusting, rude comments from meat eaters. I used to spend so much time defending veganism with people on IG. It was so taxing for my soul and brought unnecessary stress. I’ve learned to simply block the person. Some people just want to make you angry. You’ll drive yourself crazy responding to every negative comment.

What is one question you would ask other Vegans? Please answer it.

I’ve been really curious about people’s thoughts about the FullyRawKristina leather shoe plug scandal. She posted a photo of non-vegan leather shoes and tagged the company. It was obviously a paid advertisement. She also posted a video wearing Nikes. I was reading the comments and people were furious at her. It raised the question should all vegans throw away all of their old leather goods or just not continue to buy them? I am a very frugal person. I consider myself to not be materialistic at all. I have kept all of my Nike tennis shoes. I know better than to buy new leather goods now. However, I feel it’s wasteful to toss the shoes. Does this make me a bad vegan?

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